A healthy diet, regular exercise, and cholesterol lowering medications can help reduce a person’s risk of heart attack or stroke. There are several different types of medicine used to lower cholesterol levels.
- Statins slow down your body’s cholesterol production. They can also help remove cholesterol buildup in your blood vessels. Some common statins are Lipitor, Pravachol, and Zocor.
- Resins help lower your LDL (bad cholesterol) levels. Some common resins are Prevalite, Welchol, and Colestid.
- Fibrates lower cholesterol by reducing the amount of triglycerides (fats) in the body and increasing HDL (good cholesterol) levels. Some common fibrates are Antara and Lopid.
- The B vitamin niacin can lower triglyceride (fat) and LDL cholesterol levels in large doses. It can also increase HDL cholesterol levels! However, high doses of niacin can have serious side effects; only use it if your doctor prescribes it.
- Cholesterol absorption inhibitors reduce the amount of cholesterol that is absorbed by your intestines. Some common cholesterol absorption inhibitors are Zetia and Vytorin.
Side effects from the various cholesterol lowering medications are not severe. Common side effects include diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain and/or cramping, gas, nausea, headache, drowsiness or dizziness, muscle aches, flushing, and sleep problems. Often, side effects go away once a person becomes used to the medication. However, if side effects are severe or persistent, you may need to talk to your doctor.
Your doctor may prescribe one or more cholesterol lowering medications to help reduce your bad cholesterol levels. You may need to try several different types of medication before you find the one that works best to lower your LDL levels. As with any medication, talk to your doctor about all other medications you are taking, and any over the counter medicines or herbal supplements you are using to avoid any drug interactions.
Keep in mind that medication is only part of the equation! A healthy diet and regular exercise will help your body lower cholesterol levels, too.